Flowers of Power: Discovering Symbolism in Xiang Li’s Chinese Empress Collection
March 26, 2025 · Fei Wu
Flowers have always held deep symbolic meanings throughout Chinese history, playing important roles in art, culture, and even imperial politics. Xiang Li’s stunning portraits of Chinese empresses, soon to be exhibited at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill from June 14 to August 24, 2025, beautifully highlight these symbolic flowers and their historical connections.
Peony
In Chinese tradition, the peony reigns supreme as the national flower, symbolizing honor, prosperity, and the high status of empresses. Often depicted alongside empresses in Xiang Li’s art, the peony represents their noble standing, elegance, and influence.
Magnolia
Another flower often celebrated in Xiang Li’s work is the magnolia, abundantly present in the Forbidden City. Magnolias symbolize purity, nobility, and dignity—qualities admired in the imperial court. Xiang Li’s choice to include magnolias in her paintings reflects their historical importance and the serene beauty they brought to royal gardens.
Roses
Roses also feature prominently, though their symbolism in Chinese imperial culture differs from Western interpretations. In ancient Chinese palaces, roses weren’t simply romantic tokens; they embodied grace and refined beauty, enhancing the majesty of court life.
As a symbol of romance, roses frequently appear in Xiang Li’s empress paintings to bring a sense of love to these historical women’s stories. While love is a universal longing, many empresses led lives filled with power and prestige but often lacking genuine affection. Xiang Li uses roses to honor these women, bestowing upon them the love and tenderness they may have missed during their lifetimes.
Winter plum blossoms
Winter plum blossoms, known as “la mei,” stand proudly in the snow, symbolizing resilience and strength—traits revered in empresses who had to navigate the complexities of palace life. Plum blossoms, celebrated for their quiet strength, remind viewers of the inner fortitude these women needed to survive and flourish.
Orchids
Orchids, admired greatly by ancient Chinese scholars, symbolize purity and moral integrity. Their subtle elegance and delicate form made them popular among royalty and the scholarly elite, often appearing alongside imperial figures as reminders of virtue and refinement.
Chrysanthemums
It’s interesting to note that chrysanthemums, while beautiful, carry a more solemn symbolism in China, commonly associated with remembrance and mourning.
The everyday flower in households today
Today, the gardens of everyday Chinese families bloom with more casual yet charming varieties: peach blossoms, apricot flowers, pear blossoms, lilacs, and especially magnolias, reflecting a more personal and everyday appreciation of floral beauty.
Join us at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (June 14 – August 24, 2025)
During Xiang Li’s exhibition at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, visitors can not only explore her magnificent portrayals of historical Chinese empresses adorned with symbolic flowers but also enjoy real-life counterparts within the garden itself. Come immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese floral symbolism, artfully brought to life by Xiang Li.